Task analysis

Start with a broad map

Task analysis is a section of The Design Process unit in Design and technology. The resources on this page offer different ways to organize the considerations in a task. Start with the Task Analysis mind map that branches into customer, cost, aesthetics, materials, function, safety and size. Its materials branch includes wood, metals, glass and plastic, while its cost branch includes labor, retail price and manufacturing cost.

Use the main branches as a checklist when studying. Then look at the smaller branches to see how the map breaks a consideration into more specific points. You can also use the checklist to compare the maps on this page.

Compare approaches

Next, look for the Task Analysis map that includes user needs, environmental concerns, existing products, budget and quality. Compare its branches with the first map: which considerations appear in both, and which are different?

For a more specific example, explore the map that mentions storage for bath toys. It connects function, manufacture, materials, safety, cost and size or weight with a client and young children. Another map considers materials that are durable, weather-proof and resistant to impact, alongside a play-area setting.

Study with the maps

There are no quizzes listed on this topic page. Instead, turn the branches of a map into your own study questions. For example, cover the smaller branches and ask what sits under materials or cost, then check the map. Compare your answers with a different map to see another way of organizing the task.

The maps give school students material to work through and teachers examples to discuss within The Design Process unit. Explore a map that fits the considerations you want to study.